Coffee producers worldwide face numerous obstacles when producing coffee. Apart from the normal challenges of executing the difficult daily work, some uncontrollable challenges include climate change, political challenges, plant diseases, and pests that threaten coffee crops.
Among these pests is the coffee berry borer (CBB). This formidable pest poses a significant threat to coffee crops worldwide, including those in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In recent years, the prevalence of CBB in PNG has grown into a major issue for coffee producers. So, what exactly is CBB, and how does it impact the coffee industry? This blog post will explore this destructive pest and how producers can combat it.
Coffee berry borer (CBB), scientifically referred to as Hypothenemus hampei, is one of the most devastating pests in the coffee world. It is a species of beetle that bores a whole through the naval of the coffee cherry and deposit eggs in the coffee seed. The larvae then feed on the seed, damaging the bean and causing yield losses for coffee farms.
An adult CBB is tiny and its body ranges from 1.5 to 2.55 mm. The beetle is covered with short, stiff hairs and has a pair of club-shaped antennas. This beetle thrives in areas with warm temperatures and high humidity levels usually ranging from 18⁰C to 25⁰C and between 50% to 90% humidity. These types of regions can be found in tropical highlands and rainforests which is home to much of the world’s best coffee growing lands. The pest originated in Africa but has spread to most coffee-growing areas worldwide. Severe infestation can lead to dramatic crop losses if left unattended.
The damage caused by the Coffee Berry Borer is a tragedy that extends beyond the coffee plant itself, leaving a mark on the surrounding ecosystem. Once the larvae are laid in the coffee seed, their consumption of the seed leads to a multitude of detrimental effects. The physical damage caused by the beetle’s tunneling and puncturing compromises the integrity of the bean. The majority of the infected beans will be sorted out and put into lower grades.
The lower grade coffees fetch a lower price in the market and, therefore, jeopardizes the livelihoods of coffee producers and exacerbates economic instability and hardship. The cost of CBB prevention and mitigation also adds cost, so it really is a lose-lose situation for coffee farmers.
If left unchecked, the CBB infestation can establish a persistent presence over subsequent seasons, leading to ongoing damage and undermining the sustainability and viability of coffee farming in affected regions.
Prevention
To combat CBB, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. One effective method is to use biological treatments such as the Beauveria Bassiana fungus, which infects CBB females when they enter the fruit. The fungus feeds on the beetle’s nutrients and releases toxins that kill CBB. However, the effectiveness of this method depends on factors such as the formulation used and weather conditions.
Insecticides like acetamiprid, Bifenthrin, Lufenuron, and Cypermethrin can also be effective against CBB. However, they are no longer effective once CBB has penetrated the fruit. Therefore, chemical control must be applied while the fruit is still susceptible to attack.
Quarantining effected areas and using baited traps can also be an effective way to trap and kill CBB. Our producer-partners use alcohol and pheromone traps which are a low cost, low maintenance method to mitigate infestation. Alcohol traps involve placing containers filled with alcohol near coffee plants, which attract and drown CBB. Pheromone traps use synthetic female CBB pheromones to lure and capture male CBBs, disrupting their mating patterns and reducing the CBB population. The effectiveness of these traps depends on various factors, such as trap placement, alcohol concentration, and pheromone formulation.
A United Effort
Whatever prevention methods are chosen, the key to combating CBB is a united effort among all coffee growers in an affected region. Coffee trees that are not being actively managed will be found by the CBB which will simply infiltrate and lay more eggs in any coffee cherries that they can. This is a critical challenge because it creates a constantly moving target. As soon as one fire is put out, another will emerge.
A truly nationwide effort is needed to achieve optimal prevention results. To that end, the main regulatory agency in Papua New Guinea, The Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) has begun to aid coffee farmers with extension services to develop an integrated approach that includes pruning practices, pest monitoring, and targeted pesticide applications on a nationwide level. Since 85-90% of coffee in PNG comes from wild trees that are not actively managed, cooperation in prevention among coffee farmers is also a significant challenge. Coffee is a supplemental income for many coffee farmers, so they often choose to just farm different agricultural products rather than put significant efforts into CBB prevention for what amounts to a small part of their income.
These nuanced challenges of handling CBB in PNG add up to a less than rosy picture. We think CBB will be an ongoing issue for some time which will make specialty coffees from this origin harder to produce and harder to find. We are lucky to work with some of the producers who do actively manage their plants and we will continue to support them in their efforts to produce great coffees in a challenging environment.
Roasters Role
Coffee roasters play a crucial role in the battle against the Coffee Berry Borer. Coffee buyers and roasters can help stabilize farmer income streams and contribute to the economic stability of coffee-producing communities by providing support and maintaining relationships with producers during these difficult times. Supporting affected producers is also vital for ensuring the continuity of sustainable supply chains and preserving the unique flavors and characteristics that make their coffees exceptional. Additionally, it demonstrates an ethical commitment to fair trade principles and sustainability practices. Building and maintaining long-term partnerships with coffee producers, buyers, and roasters encourages the innovation and knowledge exchange that is necessary to combat CBB and other future challenges. The Coffee Berry Borer poses an ever-present threat to the coffee industry, causing financial burden to producers. The industry is determined to fight against this familiar foe through education, collaboration, and prevention practices. By fortifying their defenses, nurturing sustainable practices, and fostering a shared commitment to combat CBB, producers can defeat its destructive tide and secure the rich heritage of coffee for generations to come.